Fishing with children in Thuringia: licenses, age & rules
Fishing with children in Thuringia: licenses, age & rules
Thuringia, the green heart of Germany, has a lot to offer for families who enjoy fishing – from reservoirs like the Hohenwarte and Bleiloch to the Saale River and many small ponds in the middle of the forest. And let's be honest: there is hardly a more beautiful moment than seeing your child watch the float (that’s the little bobber on the line that indicates a bite) disappear under the water for the first time, unable to keep still from all the excitement. To ensure this moment happens without any unpleasant surprises, it's worth taking a quick look at the Thuringian rules. Don't worry – we’ll explain them in a way that even parents and grandparents with no fishing experience can understand immediately.
We explain exactly what a fishing license, youth fishing license, and permit mean on our overview page Fishing with children in Germany.
The most important rules in Thuringia for children
- Youth fishing license: yes, from age 8 to under 14. "Persons who have reached the age of eight but have not yet reached the age of fourteen may only be issued a fishing license as a youth fishing license" (§ 27 para. 1 ThürFischG) – an uncomplicated way to get started with the hobby.
- Fishing alone? No. "Until reaching the age of fourteen, holders of a youth fishing license may only fish when accompanied by an adult who holds a fishing license; holders of a quarterly fishing license are excluded from this" (§ 27 para. 2 sentence 1 ThürFischG). Important: An accompanying person who only holds a quarterly fishing license is expressly not sufficient.
- Important exception, literally in the law: "Holders of a youth fishing license who have passed the fishing examination are exempt from the requirement to be accompanied according to sentence 1" (§ 27 para. 2 sentence 2 ThürFischG). So, if you pass the exam, you are allowed to fish on your own.
- Fishing examination: The Thuringian Fishing Act does not specify a minimum age; § 27 para. 2 sentence 2 assumes that the examination is already possible in youth. The regular fishing license is possible from age 14 – this is derived from the fact that until age 14, it can "only be issued as a youth fishing license." You can find out the details regarding exam eligibility from the state angling association.
- Very young children under 8: Fishing via a youth license is not intended for this age group. It is best to ask the association directly whether and how the youngest children may come along to the water (this is not clearly regulated).
- Permit / Fishing ticket: In addition to the license, you always need a permit for the specific body of water – the so-called fishing ticket. It regulates where, when, and what you are allowed to fish for. You cannot do without it.
Special features in Thuringia
Thuringia has a really motivating special rule: anyone who passes the fishing examination as a youth license holder is exempt from the accompaniment requirement and may fish independently. This is a great incentive for older children to tackle the exam early and gain a sense of independence. In addition, Thuringia offers a quarterly fishing license – practical if you only want to fish for a certain period, for example, during the summer holidays.
How to get started successfully
Start small: A simple float, a light leader (that is the thin piece of line directly at the hook), and a quiet spot by the water are perfectly sufficient for your first attempts. Children love it when something happens quickly – so choose a body of water where even a small fish might bite, so the excitement doesn't fade. Plan for shorter sessions rather than a whole day, because their attention span is limited, and a good ending ensures that your child will want to go again next time. You can find a clear overview of which rod, reel, and accessories are suitable for which age on our page Fishing equipment for children by age.
And because it is often windy and damp by the water early in the day, it is worth having the right clothing: Robust, weatherproof, and, of course, cool fishing apparel for children and teenagers ensures that your offspring won't want to go back to the car shivering after half an hour.
Fishing T-Shirts for Kids & Teens
Robust, comfortable, and featuring the fish motifs little anglers love.
Where can you get a youth fishing license in Thuringia?
You can obtain the youth fishing license (ages 8–14) from the municipal or city administration of your place of residence, which is responsible for fishing and youth fishing licenses in Thuringia. Bring with you: ID card or proof of age, a passport photo, and parental consent. For the regular fishing license, the certificate of having passed the fishing examination is also required. Documents and fees may vary slightly by municipality.
Fishing Hoodies for Kids & Teens
Robust, comfortable, and featuring the fish motifs little anglers love.
Always additional: the rules of your body of water
Very important, no matter where you fish: beyond the general rules described here, the specific regulations of the individual body of water always apply. Every lake, river, and coastal section has its own water management regulations with its own requirements – for example, regarding permitted fishing methods and bait, the number of rods, closed seasons and minimum sizes, night fishing and keepnets, daily catch limits, or restricted bank areas. These water-specific rules are usually printed directly on the permit (the fishing ticket) or provided by the issuing body (fishing club, water manager, authority). Check and observe them before every day of fishing – in case of doubt, the rules of the respective body of water take precedence over the general information on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
From what age can you get a youth fishing license in Thuringia?
In Thuringia, children from 8 to 14 years old can get a youth fishing license. This is an uncomplicated entry point that allows your child to fish when accompanied by an adult.
Is my child allowed to fish alone in Thuringia?
Until they reach the age of 14, only when accompanied by an adult who holds a fishing license. However, there is an exception: youth license holders who have passed the fishing examination are exempt from the accompaniment requirement and may fish independently.
Can my child take the fishing examination in Thuringia while still a youth?
Yes. The fishing examination is possible during youth and then exempts the holder from the accompaniment requirement. The regular fishing license is possible from age 14. It is best to ask the Thuringian State Angling Association directly about the exact requirements.
Is my child allowed to fish under the age of 8 in Thuringia?
Fishing for children under 8 is not intended via the youth fishing license. Whether and within what framework the youngest children may come along to the water is not clearly regulated – so please ask the state association about this in advance.
Do I need a fishing ticket in addition to the license in Thuringia?
Yes. In addition to the fishing license, you always need a permit (fishing ticket) for the respective body of water. The fishing ticket stipulates where and under what conditions fishing is permitted.
We strive to provide you with accurate information and update these pages regularly. The information is provided without guarantee. Please point out any discrepancies to us so that we can update the information.
Tight Lines – your Fin-Buddies team 🎣
As of: September 2026